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CHATEAU SOUCHERIE ANJOU BLANC 2008
PEAR-LESS ANJOU
Regular: $17.99
Sale: $14.99
Case: $168.00
The Anjou area in France’s fabled Loire Valley recalls that bulbous pear and England’s Henri II, perhaps, not in that order. For we wine lovers, Anjou should now signify superb, dry, unoaked wine from Chateau Soucherie. The grape? Chenin Blanc. This is the other, other great white wine. The best dry Chenin Blanc usually comes from the region’s Savennieres appellation. Soucherie’s Anjou Blanc resembles a young, intense Savennieres but at half the price! Shame that Henri II isn’t around to enjoy this…on second thought…Quote
One whiff of this wine and feel like you’ve suddenly stepped into a gently breezy apple orchard. The pronounced, pure aromas lead to the fresh flavor and sensation of biting into a cool, just-picked apple. Then nervy mineral and a touch of honey careen beneath. This DRY wine exudes energy it’s so vibrant and alive. Long, lingering length reverberates green apple flavor. WOW!
Food Pairing: fish, lobster, salmon, tuna, chicken, white meats with rich sauces, medium cheeses.
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Wine Specifics
Winery: Chateau Soucherie
VARIETAL: Chenin Blanc
REGION: Anjou
WINE TYPE: White Wine
DRINK YEARS: NOW-2013
COUSINO MACUL FINIS TERRAE 2007
THE ANDES EFFECT
Regular: $22.99
Sale: $17.99
Case: $200.00
The Andes Mountains have quite an effect, alright, especially, when beholding them from Cousino Macul’s vineyards in Chile. The sight is incredibly inspiring, needless to say. But for Cousino Macul, one of Chile’s oldest and finest wineries, the Andes provide more than just magnificent landscape. They supply water. Their cold air sifts down, beneficially cooling the vineyard: the Andes effect. The natural advantages conspire with the dedicated Cousino winemaking team to make the fabulous 2007 Finis Terrae, a brilliant combination of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. I remember 2007 well—it was just after harvest that I last stood in Cousino’s beautiful vineyards looking at the mountains.Quote
Starts with classic “Bordeaux”- like aromas of cedar, tobacco, vanilla, berries and earth. Powerful yet polished dry red expressing excellent core of firm fruit and that quintessential Cousino Macul loamy-earth accent. Complexity emerges as this wine opens up. Fantastic length of flavor carries on and on. Really fulfilling and an extreme value. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Food Pairing: bring on the meat! steak, lamb, venison, veal, pork, robust pasta, game bird.
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Wine Specifics
Winery: Cousino Macul
VARIETAL: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
REGION: Maipo
WINE TYPE: Red Wine
DRINK YEARS: now-2015
Bodegas Barco de Piedra Tempranillo Ribera de Duero 2008
Duero Delivers
Regular: $14.99
Sale: $12.99
Case: $140.00
Ribera del Duero is a region of vineyards situated around the Duero river, which, as it flows west through Portugal, becomes the Douro, home to the vineyards that give rise to Port. Despite Rioja's bigger reputation, there are some splendid wines to be had in this region, usually based on the indigenous Tempranillo grapes, often over-delivering great wine @ a bargain price.Quote
Oak-aged for five months, opaque purple, it delivers a bouquet of cedar (not dissimilar to good Bordeaux), spice & black cherry. Medium-bodied, sturdy, substantial structure with subtle tannins which will soften over the next 1-2 years. Prolonged, lingering finish of red & blue berries.
Food Pairing: Spanish Lamb Stew with White Beans & Chorizo Stew
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Wine Specifics
Winery: Bodegas Barco del Piedra
VARIETAL: Tempranillo
REGION: Ribera del Duero
WINE TYPE: Red Wine
DRINK YEARS: 3-5 years
Domaine de la Guicharde Cuvee Genest Cotes du Rhone Villages Massif d’Uchaux 2007
Massive Massif
Regular: $13.99
Sale: $11.99
Case: $132.00
Zut Alors! Talk about the intermingling of wine & history. Arnaud & Isabelle’s Domaine Guicharde surrounds the ruins of the Derboux castle which was used as a refuge for the Cathars until it was destroyed in 1228 & the same vineyard was cultivated by the Romans with the famous Roman Way (Via Agrippa) going through it on its way to Lyon & Arles. And if that’s not enough, RP loves the winery: “Arnaud Guichard has burst on the scene with deliciously fruity, ripe, round & generous wines” & gives the domaine an excellent rating. – Wines of the Rhone Valley, Robert ParkerQuote
I’ve tasted quite a few wines from the highly acclaimed 2007 vintage, but at this price level I’ve not experienced any with such structure & concentration. 50% Syrah & 50% Grenache, it is unfiltered and with tannins promising an even better wine in the years to come. It is a lush, darkly fruity wine that is full-bodied on the palate with an expressive nose of red & black fruit, deeply beguiling with hints of dark spice & toast leading to a center of dark cherry fruit. This wine is denser than your average Cotes-du-Rhone - a good reason to look for the higher Villages appellation. SERIOUS, special occasion wine @ an everyday price.
Food Pairing: Grilled Duck Breasts
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Wine Specifics
Winery: Domaine de la Guicharde
VARIETAL: Syrah/Grenache
REGION: Massif d’Uchaux, Rhone
WINE TYPE: Red Wine
DRINK YEARS: The Next Five Years
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